Dickens uses allusions to free will and the ability to change the person that you are, sometimes all you need is a little help. "I am here tonight to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate. A chance and hope of my procurring Ebenezer." (13) Dickens uses this as well as metaphors to show that no one is completley condemned. "Old Marely was as dead as a door-nail. Mind! I don't mean to say that I know, of my knowledge, what there is particularly dead about a door-nail." (1) Dickens also uses symbolism with the bible on the matter of redeption and condemnation. We see this in the bible with Mary Magdaline. She was about to be condemned by her fellow man because she was a prostitute, Jesus saved her and forgave her for her sins. Also there are allusions to the nativity story involving the three ghosts. They are all interconnected someway with the birth of Christ. Especially the Ghost of Christmas yet to come. Like Jesus the figure does not say a word, but he evokes emotions and people react drastically to him. Also they are both omniscient even though they do no say anything. Jesus is the son of God and is obviously not a normal infant and the Ghost knows of death.

Maguire has beautiful use of parralles structure and alliteration. His use of syntax throughot the story adds an eloquent auroa to the story. "Elphaba looked like something between an animal and an Animal, like something more than life but not quite Life." (77) His wording allows for open interpretation . To question what exactly the statement means. Maguire also uses forshadowing to add effect to his story. "Elphaba looked like something between an animal and an Animal, like something more than life but not quite Life." (65) This quote suggests that the reason may be revealed in the future and keeps the reader intersted in what will happen.